Norris reluctant to gamble on low student interest in poker minicourse

By Eric Mika

January 19, 2005

The game of poker has spread from Las Vegas casinos and old Wild West saloons to college campuses, threatening to deplete students' stashes of laundry money.

And Norris University Center could be the next place for poker if enough students express interest in a minicourse on the game.

The University of Washington recently offered a poker class, focusing on the rules and strategy of the game. A retired stockbroker taught the course through UW's experimental college -- a cluster of zero-credit classes in practical or entertaining subjects similar to NU's minicourses.

"We have had some interest in a poker minicourse," said minicourse coordinator Chris Tondini, "but anything involved with card playing, the university sees as gambling. It would take more interest and more work with the university."

Minicourse offerings are determined partly by demand, such as suggestions on the minicourse Web site. Twelve to 15 people must request a subject before it is considered, Tondini said. So far only two people have expressed interest in a poker course.

Even if demand picked up, there are still anti-gambling sensitivities to contend. "I can't say that we would be able to push it through, but we would try," he said.

Weinberg senior Michael Cohen supports the idea of a poker class. Cohen says his proficiency at the tables has pulled in more than $100,000 in winnings.

"I think a poker minicourse is a great idea," he said. "Mastering poker is a whole different matter, but most minicourses are geared to beginners."

Cohen said he sees no ethical basis for rejecting a poker course.

"In terms of a moral dilemma, I think that's ludicrous." Cohen said. "Playing poker is not like playing slot machines or roulette. It's a skill game that has value outside the gambling aspect. Besides, they have wine tasting and beer drinking courses at Norris."

Weinberg sophomore Diego Berdakin, president of the NU Poker Club, said a minicourse would be popular among club members.

"A lot of people are interested in the theory side of things," Berdakin said. A course in Norris could also increase interest in the club.

Tondini himself enjoys the occasional hand, and he said he would have been interested in such a course during his enrollment.

"It would have been something that caught my eye," he said.

Reach Eric Mika at mailto:e-mika-1@northwestern.edu.